LEGAZPI CITY, Albay (PIA) — The offices of the Philippine Information Agency in this city were among the institutions and establishments that were recently recognized by the city government for being “100 percent smoke-free.”
The regional office and the Albay provincial information center of the PIA are both located in the capital city. The two offices together with more than 150 other offices are recognized for having made an outstanding contribution to advancing the city government’s Smoke-Free Campaign. Winners are selected by the city government’s inspection committee.
The PIA received the 100% Smoke-Free Government Office Award for two years in a row.
The Philippine Information Agency Regional Office 5 and Albay provincial information center were declared as 100% smoke-free during the inspection of the Legazpi City smoke-free committee.
The recognition is part of Legazpi City’s smoke-free ordinance which seeks to regulate smoking, promote a healthy environment and protect the public from the danger of smoking. Apart from penalizing violators, the smoke-free inspection committee also recommends commendation for compliant establishments.
Awardees for three consecutive years will be declared as Hall of Famers.
Dr. Fulbert Gillego, head of Legazpi City Health Office, said 155 out of 412 assessed establishments were declared 100% smoke-free or fully compliant with the city ordinance.
Gillego said the increase in the number of awardees from 99 last year was an indication of a growing support and awareness of the community on the efforts of the city government to ensure equal protection to the health and welfare of non-smokers, especially the vulnerable population.
“We do not ban smoking in Legazpi City. We are regulating it so we can equally protect the rights of non-smokers especially the children, senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with co-morbidities,” Gillego said.
Leonila Ante, principal of Arimbay Elementary School, cited lesson integration and cooperation with their stakeholders as important factors in ensuring a smoke-free school environment for their young learners.
Arimbay Elementary School principal Leonila Ante beams as she receives the award from Legaspi city government.
“We integrate the ill effects of smoking to both smokers and non-smokers in our health and science subjects. If we have workers, we remind them of the no smoking policy inside the school premises,” she said.
Smoke-Free Ordinance
Gillego said provisions on the use of vaporized products or vapes will be implemented under the newly revised Comprehensive Smoke-Free Ordinance, in compliance with RA 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act.
These include smoking and vaping prevention and education programs, especially in schools. Additional billboards and signages will be installed in public places to highlight the penalties and further promote Legazpi as a smoke-free city.
“Apprehended violators will be required to undergo the smoking cessation program and will be assisted to quit from this unhealthy habit,” he said.
Violators can choose between paying the fine or rendering community service. A first-time offender will be slapped with a fine of P1,000 or 16 hours of community service. Repeat offenders will be fined with P1,500.00 or 24 hours service, while each of subsequent violations will cost the offenders some P2,000.00 or 72 hours of service. (PIA5/Albay)
